Diesel-powered action

The most striking feature of this game, based on the film of the same name, is the stunning visuals. It's easily one of the best-looking games to hit the Xbox, with eerily realistic characters and remarkable lighting effects.

The detail is so true to life that Vin Diesel's character is instantly recognisable, right down to the snaking veins that line his well-toned muscles. Thankfully, for those who like some meat behind their gravy, this game isn't content to rely on these superficial joys to keep gamers interested.

The gorgeous visuals are backed by a gripping storyline, telling of Riddick's unhappy vacation at the high-security Butcher Bay penitentiary. This claustrophobic hell-hole makes the jail in Prisoner look like the set of Play School.

The game's storyline is a prequel to Pitch Black and successfully brings the brooding humour and atmosphere of the series to the small screen. Vin Diesel does all of the voice acting for the character of Riddick, and his gravelly voice helps to turn some borderline tacky lines into truly memorable quotes.

Riddick's trademark is his "Shined" eyes, allowing him to see in the dark. This is a perfect excuse for some stealth action in the game, which makes up a large and tense part of the gameplay. Pure action sequences balance this out, helping to change the pace of the game. Regardless of which style you play, the game never ceases to excite, provided you don't mind a healthy dose of violence.

Riddick is such an enjoyable game that you'll wish it was longer than the 10 hours or so it will take you to complete the storyline. Regardless of its short length it's one of the best action titles to grace the Xbox.

Endgame: A "shining" example of how an action/stealth game should be made.

Crash Bandicoot and Spyro Fusion

Runs on: GameBoy Advance

Price: $69.95 each

Classification: G

Rating: **

Although unofficial PlayStation mascots in their former careers, this is the first time Spyro and Crash have appeared together. It's also probably the last.

The plot sees Crash's rival Dr Neo Cortex team up with Spyro's nemesis, Ripto. Naturally, the furry fun-loving creature and the flamin' flapster also need to work together if they are to save the universe.

Crash and Spyro Fusion are two separate products but share the same style: a series of 25 mini-games interspersed with simple side-scrolling platform jumping and enemy thumping.

Those silly enough to buy both cartridges can link the two games for multi-player gaming, unlock extras and swap gimmicky collector cards, most of which offer no purpose. But while the mini-games provide some laughs with friends, two mediocre titles put together do not equal one great game.

Nintendo's fabulously frantic WarioWare showed how five-second mini-games could be deliciously addictive, but Fusion's longer challenges are mostly uninspired retreads of archaic arcade games such as Space Invaders, Moon Patrol, Xevious, Breakout, Toobin', Tapper and Pooyan. One of the few pleasures for adult players will be trying to spot each game's inspiration.

Most of the mini-games are a pushover, but some children will be frustrated at the uneven difficulty and forced to constantly replay the harder challenges. Of the two games, Spyro's adventure is more accommodating for youngsters, but both contain annoying repetition.

In between challenges, Crash needs to collect fruit and Spyro locate gems in order to open portals to the next mini-game or stage. There is little exploration involved and most players should be able to see everything in just a few hours.

After the excellent hand-held Spyro games, which featured an isometric view and pleasing depth, Fusion seems a big leap backwards.